We ended our stay in Istanbul with the crowds celebrating Republic Day; the 101st annual commemoration of the formation of the Republic of Türkiye on October 29, 1923. Mustafa Ataturk became the freshly-minted country’s first president, ending the long rule of the Ottoman Empire. Republic Day is a big deal – two days filed with … More And…that’s a wrap!
Istanbul has had a centuries-long love affair with cats. Revered for their rodent-control abilities and regarded as community pets, most street corners have bowls of water and food out for their beloved felines. They number anywhere from several thousand to over a million, in Istanbul alone. The cats are remarkably healthy, with shiny coats and … More Istanbul, Part 2: Cats, Cisterns and Coloured Houses
Whoa – Istanbul is so much more than we had anticipated. Bigger, noisier, grander, older, newer, hillier, more interesting, more captivating, more everything. And we’re already tired. Our trip is winding down, we’re beginning to shift gears to think about being home again and now we have Istanbul to contend with. But we can do … More Istanbul Has Got Us On The Run.
Rumi, the celebrated 13th-century poet, philosopher, scholar and founder of the Sufi mystical cult, would have been 817 years old today. Notable – his works have lasted. They are translated all over the world and he is still considered the “top-selling poet” in the United States. Not to condense Rumi’s contributions to a few pithy … More Celebrating Rumi’s birthday in Konya
Many people come to this area for just a couple of days, with the primary attraction being a ride in a hot air balloon. Now, one can certainly see the attraction of climbing into a wicker basket and lifting off at sunrise over an otherworldly landscape. The romance, the bucket-list box ticked, the celebratory champagne … More Cappadocia: So Much More than Hot Air Balloons
Leaving Ourselves Behind 